Amritsar residents up in arms for shifting Bhagtanwala garbage dump yard

Amritsar, September 6

Residents of localities near Bhagtanwala garbage dump on Monday held a candle march to protest against the failure of the Congress government to shift the dump even after four-and-a-half years of coming to power in the state.

They alleged that the Congress MLA, Inderbir Singh Bolaria, present PPCC president Navjot Singh Sidhu, Raj Kumar Verka and Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal had made tall promises to get people rid of the garbage dump.

They further alleged that repeated fire incidents at the garbage dump led to emisson of poisonous gases, which caused massive air pollution thereby spreading respiratory diseases among residents of nearby localities. Their lives had become hell while local political leadership had turned a blind eye towards their genuine problem, said residents.

“Bolaria has installed mysterious hoardings asking people to keep their moblie phone charged for a big announcement. Instead of playing tricks, he should do what is needed. He should get the dump shifted elsewhere,” said Amarjit Singh, a resident. Bolaria had promised to construct a beautiful garden over the land after shifting the garbage dump, he added.

“We connot sit on our rooftops as smoke emnating from the garbage dump affects our health. Besides, the smell of carcases has spread in the area,” said Bholi, another resident.

Residents threatened to intensify their stir if their demand was not met. — TNS